The Samsung Z smartphone launch was supposed to be a sign that the Tizen operating system was finally ready for prime time, but mobile app developers may need more proof it can offer the advantages they've gained with Android.
Although Tizen is already used in Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatches, the Samsung Z marks the company's biggest move yet away from Google's Android OS in a major hardware category. The device is expected to go on sale in Russia in the third quarter of this year, followed by other countries, though Samsung didn't offer details.
There were at least a few developers who were ready to get behind the Samsung Z, based on comments made on Twitter.
Finally, A samsung phone I liked in like some eons! Samsung Outs Its First Tizen-Powered Smartphone http://t.co/r09eXxN98I via @techcrunch
— Asit Khanda (@asitkhanda) June 2, 2014
In many cases, though, the sentiment was largely negative. Some seemed unimpressed with the smartphone itself.
"Samsung calls it a "premium" device, but the specifications are fairly pedestrian". http://t.co/1Z6bFiB0PJ
— Vítor Galvão (@vhgalvao) June 2, 2014
There were others who were more concerned that Samsung didn't have a strong track record in making the most of mobile platforms.
If Samsung's Tizen OS is as bad as its Android adaption... http://t.co/xZtPakusok
— Mike Schwede (@mikeschwede) June 4, 2014
Others seemed to see Android as a key asset in Samsung's mobile strategy--one it may be ill-advised to give up, assuming that's the long-term plan.
Samsung + android was a strong alternative to iphone, samsung alone doesn't seem so... http://t.co/lF6dmjeBH5
— Danilo Durazzo (@danilod) June 4, 2014
Of course, developers being developers, the final verdict on the Samsung Z smartphone, and Tizen overall, will not be about the hardware.
Native apps will be the decider > #Samsung hedges #Android bet with first #Tizen phone http://t.co/VvHMLMPpEB
— Todd Zebert (@ToddZebert) June 3, 2014